Backwater valve assembly and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a backwater valve assembly comprising a main valve body, a flapper sub-assembly, and a cap. The main valve body has an inner wall that can define a recess into which the flapper sub-assembly can be removably secured. The flapper sub-assembly includes at least one flapper element that can pivot between an open position, in which the flapper element allows fluid to flow through the backwater valve assembly, and a closed position, in which the flapper element prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. The flapper sub-assembly can be removably coupled to the cap to allow the flapper sub-assembly and cap to be installed in or removed from the main valve body together as a unitary assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/792,706, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, titled“Backwater Valve Assembly and Method.” U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/792,706 is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally applicable to a backwater valveassembly and a method for preventing backflow of water or other fluid.More particularly, the backwater valve assembly disclosed herein may beuseful to prevent sewage or waste water from backing up into a residenceor building as the result of a blocked waste removal system, such asstorm or sanitary sewer.

BACKGROUND

Backwater valve assemblies have a broad range of applications and can beused in any application where it is desired that fluid be permitted toflow freely in one direction but be prevented from flowing in theopposite direction as a result of a downstream blockage or backpressure.For example, backwater valve assemblies can be used to prevent sewage orwastewater from backing up into a building as a result of a blockage ina storm or sanitary sewer.

Many residences and buildings are connected to waste removal systems,such as storm or sanitary sewers, via one or more pipe or drain line.Backwater valve assemblies may be employed in one or more of the pipesor drain lines that connect the property to the waste removal system toprevent sewage or waste water from backing up into the building from anobstruction in the storm or sanitary sewer. Backwater valve assembliesgenerally freely permit sewage and wastewater to flow in a downstreamdirection away from the building. However, upon a blockage oroverfilling of the storm or sanitary sewer, such backwater valveassemblies prevent such sewage or wastewater from flowing in the reverseupstream direction back into the building.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a backwater valve assembly forpermitting fluid to flow freely in one direction and generallypreventing fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. The backwatervalve assembly can include a main valve body, a flapper sub-assembly,and a cap. The main valve body includes an inlet, an outlet, an innersurface, and an interior space. The inner surface of the main valve bodycan define a recess into which the flapper sub-assembly can be removablysecured. The flapper sub-assembly can include a main body portion and atleast one flapper element coupled to the main body portion such that theflapper element can pivot or move between an open position, in whichfluid is permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the mainvalve body, and a closed position, in which fluid is prevented fromflowing in the opposite direction from the outlet to the inlet. The capcan be disposed within a port defined in the main valve body, and theflapper sub-assembly can be removably coupled to the cap such that theflapper sub-assembly and cap can be installed in or removed from themain valve body together as a unitary assembly.

In some embodiments, the flapper element can be disposed at an angle toallow gravity to hold the flapper element against the main body portionwhen in a closed position. The flapper element can be made of aresilient material and can include a protrusion that creates a generallyfluid tight seal against the main body portion when in a closedposition. The flapper sub-assembly can include one or more sealingmembers to create a generally fluid tight seal between the flappersub-assembly and the main valve body. The cap can accommodate a capgripping feature having at least one opening configured and dimensionedto receive and interact with a tool that operates to install or removethe cap from the main valve body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosureand together with the description serve to explain certain principles ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of abackwater valve assembly, with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofthe backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with the flapper inthe open position.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofthe backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with the flapper inthe closed position.

FIG. 2A shows an exploded perspective view of the main valve body andthe cap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the main valve body and the cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C shows a top plan view of the main valve body and the cap of theembodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2D shows a front elevational view of the main valve body and thecap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 2E shows a side elevational view of the main valve body and the capof the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2F shows a bottom plan view of the main valve body and the cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows a front exploded perspective view of the flappersub-assembly and cap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B shows a rear exploded perspective view of the flappersub-assembly and cap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C shows a bottom exploded perspective view of the flappersub-assembly and cap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assemblyillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3D shows a bottom perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 3E shows a front perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 3F shows a top perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly and capof the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 3G shows a front plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 3H shows a bottom plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 3I shows a side elevational view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 3J shows a rear perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 3K shows a front perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 3L shows a top perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly and capof the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 3M shows a front plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 3N shows a side elevational view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 3O shows a rear elevational view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 1, with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 3P shows a bottom plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIG. 1,with the flapper in the open position.

FIG. 4A shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a cap of abackwater valve assembly with a cap removing feature.

FIG. 4B shows a top, exploded perspective view of the embodiment of thecap illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a bottom perspective view of the cap removing feature ofthe embodiment of the cap illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D shows a top plan view of the embodiment of the cap illustratedin FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E shows a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the capillustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a tool useful forinstalling/removing/adjusting the embodiment of the cap illustrated inFIG. 4A from a backwater valve assembly, with a magnified inset view ofthe key portion of the tool.

FIG. 4G shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the capillustrated in FIG. 4A and the tool illustrated in FIG. 4F.

FIG. 4H shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the capillustrated in FIG. 4A with the tool illustrated in FIG. 4F inserted inthe openings of the adjustment feature of the cap.

FIGS. 5A-5C show a perspective exploded views of a second embodiment ofa backwater valve assembly with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form.

FIG. 5D shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIGS. 5A-5C with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flapper elements in a closed position.

FIGS. 5E-5F shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIGS. 5A-5C with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flapper elements in an open position.

FIG. 5G shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIGS. 5A-5C with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flapper elements in a closed position.

FIG. 5H shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 5A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flapper elements in a closed position.

FIG. 5I shows a front plan view of the embodiment of the backwater valveassembly in FIG. 5A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flapper elements in a closed position.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a backwatervalve assembly with the main valve body illustrated in cross-sectionalform and the flow control element in a closed position.

FIG. 6B shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 6A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in a closed position.

FIG. 6C shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 6A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in an open position.

FIG. 6D shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 6A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in a neutral position.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a backwatervalve assembly with the main valve body illustrated in cross-sectionalform and the flow control element in a closed position.

FIG. 7B shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 7A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in a closed position.

FIG. 7C shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 7A (with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in an open position.

FIG. 7D shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly in FIG. 7A with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in a neutral position.

FIG. 8A shows a side elevational view of another embodiment of abackwater valve assembly with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form and the flow control element in a closed position.

FIGS. 8B-8C show cross-sectional exploded perspective views of theembodiment of the backwater valve assembly in FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 9A-9B show exploded perspective views of another embodiment of abackwater valve assembly.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of abackwater valve assembly, with the main valve body illustrated incross-sectional form.

FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A, with the flapper sub-assemblyinstalled in the main valve body.

FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the backwatervalve assembly illustrated in FIG. 10A, with the flapper element in theclosed position.

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the main valve body and the cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C.

FIG. 11B shows a top plan view of the main valve body and the cap of theembodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 11C shows a front elevational view of the main valve body and thecap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 11D shows a side elevational view of the main valve body and thecap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 11E shows a bottom plan view of the main valve body and the cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C.

FIG. 12A shows a front exploded perspective view of the flappersub-assembly and cap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 12B shows a front perspective exploded cross-sectional view of theflapper sub-assembly and cap of the embodiment of the backwater valveassembly illustrated in FIG. 10A-10C.

FIG. 12C shows a bottom perspective view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 12D shows a front plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 12E shows a rear plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 12F shows a side elevational view of the flapper sub-assembly andcap of the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIG. 10A-10C, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 12G shows a bottom plan view of the flapper sub-assembly and cap ofthe embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C, with the flapper in the closed position.

FIG. 13A shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of aflapper sub-assembly of the backwater valve assembly illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C.

FIG. 13B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flappersub-assembly of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in 10A-10C.

FIG. 14A shows an exploded perspective view of the flapper sub-assemblyof the embodiment of the backwater valve assembly illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C.

FIG. 14B shows an exploded perspective cross-sectional view of theflapper sub-assembly of the embodiment of the backwater valve assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described with occasional referenceto specific embodiments of the disclosure. The present disclosure may,however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodimentsare provided to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure tothose skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure in any way.

Also, while the detailed exemplary embodiments described in thespecification and illustrated in the drawings relate to backwater valveassemblies described as being useful for preventing sewage or wastewaterfrom backing up into a building from a storm or sanitary sewer, itshould be understood that the backwater valve assemblies describedherein may be used in connection with any application where it isdesired that fluid be permitted to flow freely in one direction but beprevented from flowing in the opposite direction, such as, for example,as a result of a downstream blockage or backpressure.

Except as otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this present disclosure belongs. The terminology usedin the description herein is for describing particular embodiments only,and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used inthe description, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,properties, and so forth as used in the specification are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the teen “about.”Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties setforth in the following specification are approximations that may varydepending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodimentsof the present disclosure. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges andparameters setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure areapproximations, the numerical values to the extent that such are setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errorsnecessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements.

The terms “connecting,” “securing,” “coupling” and “mounting” as usedherein, include but are not limited to affixing, joining, attaching,fixing, fastening, or placing in contact two or more components,elements, assemblies, portions or parts. Connecting, securing, couplingand mounting two or more components, etc., can be direct or indirectsuch as through the use of one or more intermediary components and maybe intermittent or continuous. The term “fluid” as used herein, includesbut is not limited to any material that is capable of flowing orexhibits fluid characteristics, such as a liquid or semi-liquidmaterial.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body and one or moreflow control elements that permit fluid to flow freely in one directionbut generally prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body and one or moreflapper elements that permit fluid to flow freely in one direction butgenerally prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body that includes aflapper sub-assembly recess and a flapper sub-assembly that is receivedwithin the flapper sub-assembly recess of the main valve body, theflapper sub-assembly including one or more flapper elements that permitfluid to flow freely in one direction but generally prevent fluid fromflowing in the opposite direction. The flapper sub-assembly is removablefrom the main valve body to allow for the repair and replacement of theflapper sub-assembly or parts thereof without the need to remove oruninstall the remainder of the backwater valve assembly.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body, a removable cap,and one or more flow control elements that permit fluid to flow freelyin one direction but generally prevent fluid from flowing in theopposite direction. The removable cap permits access to the interior ofthe main valve body to allow for the removal, installation, repair orreplacement of the one or more flow control elements.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body, and a removablecap and a flapper sub-assembly that are coupled together. The main valvebody includes a flapper sub-assembly recess for receiving the flappersub-assembly, which includes one or more flapper elements that permitfluid to flow freely in one direction but generally prevent fluid fromflowing in the opposite direction. The removable cap and flappersub-assembly that are coupled to one another are removable from the mainvalve body to allow for the repair and replacement of the flappersub-assembly or parts thereof without the need to remove or uninstallthe remainder of the backwater valve assembly.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body, a removable cap,and one or more flow control elements that permit fluid to flow freelyin one direction but generally prevent fluid from flowing in theopposite direction. The removable cap of various embodiments of thebackwater valve assembly may include a component or feature thatprovides for the installation, removal, tightening and/or adjusting ofthe removable cap by use of a tool from a position located a distancefrom the backwater valve assembly. The ability to install, remove,tighten, and/or adjust the removable cap from a position located at adistance from the backwater valve assembly permits access to theinterior of the main valve body even if the main valve body is buriedbeneath the ground or in another location that would otherwise beinaccessible. In this manner, the one or more flow control elements maybe removed, installed, repaired or replaced without the need to removeor uninstall the remainder of the backwater valve assembly.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body, and a removablecap and flapper sub-assembly that are removably coupled together. Themain valve body includes a flapper sub-assembly recess for receiving theflapper sub-assembly, the flapper sub-assembly including one or moreflapper elements that permit fluid to flow freely in one direction butgenerally prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. Theremovable cap includes a component or feature that provides for theinstallation, removal, tightening and/or adjusting of the removable capby use of a tool from a position located a distance from the backwatervalve assembly. The removable cap and flapper sub-assembly are coupledtogether, thus providing for the removal of both the removable cap andflapper sub-assembly from the backwater valve assembly from a positionlocated at a distance from the backwater valve assembly, thus providingfor the repair and replacement of the flapper sub-assembly or partsthereof without the need to remove or uninstall the remainder of thebackwater valve assembly. In this manner, the flapper sub-assembly maybe removed or installed from a position located at a distance from thebackwater valve assembly to allow for the repair or replacement of theflapper sub-assembly even if the main valve body is buried beneath theground or in another location that would otherwise be inaccessible.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body, one or more flowcontrol elements that permit fluid to flow freely in one direction butgenerally prevent fluid from flowing in the opposite direction, aremovable cap and a tool for installing, removing, tightening, and/oradjusting the cap from a position located a distance from the backwatervalve assembly.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a backwater valveassembly is provided that includes a main valve body and a removable capand flapper sub-assembly that are coupled together. The flappersub-assembly is received within a flapper sub-assembly recess of themain valve body and includes one or more flow control elements that peiiit fluid to flow freely in one direction but generally prevent fluidfrom flowing in the opposite direction. A tool is provided forinstalling or removing the removable cap and flapper sub-assembly thatare coupled together from a position located a distance from thebackwater valve assembly.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method is providedfor installing, repairing and/or maintaining a backwater valve assemblythat includes a main valve body and one or more flow control elementsthat permit fluid to flow freely in one direction but generally preventfluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the presentdisclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodimentsof the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, one exemplary embodiment of a backwater valveassembly 10 is illustrated. The exemplary backwater valve assembly 10generally includes a main valve body 20, a flapper sub-assembly 30 and acap 40. The main valve body 20 of the exemplary embodiment of thebackwater valve assembly 10 generally includes a main wall 22 thatdefines an interior space 24, an inlet 26 and an outlet 28.

The flapper sub-assembly 30 of the exemplary illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C generally includes a main body portion 32 and a flapper 34pivotally connected to the main body portion 32 by a pivot element 36. Aflapper sub-assembly recess 50 is defined by wall 52 of the main valvebody 20 that receives the main body portion 32 of the flappersub-assembly 30. The flapper 34 pivots on pivot element 36 relative tothe main body portion 32 between an open position in which opening 38defined through the main body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30is uncovered (as illustrated in FIG. 1B) and a closed position in whichthe flapper covers opening 38 (as illustrated in FIG. 1C).

Referring to FIG. 1B, when the flapper 34 is in the open position, theinlet 26, interior 24 of the central portion 22 of the main valve body20, opening 38 of main body portion 32 of flapper sub-assembly 30, andthe outlet 28 combine to define a fluid flow path “F” through thebackwater valve assembly 10. With the flapper 34 in the open position,fluid is free to flow from an upstream location (e.g., building orresidence) of the main valve body 20, through the inlet 26, through theinterior 24 of the main valve body 20, through opening 38 of main bodyportion 32 of flapper sub-assembly 30, and out of the outlet 28 to adownstream location (e.g., storm or sanitary sewer) of the backwatervalve assembly 10. In this manner, the flapper 34 permits fluid to flowfreely from a location upstream of the backwater valve assembly 10,through the backwater valve assembly 10 and out the outlet 28 when inthe open position.

However, if fluid enters the backwater valve assembly 10 from a positiondownstream of the backwater valve assembly 10 through the outlet 28 inthe direction of flow path “F” illustrated in FIG. 1C, flapper 34 willpivot to the closed position in response to the fluid flow and coverover opening 38, thus preventing fluid from flowing from a locationdownstream of the backwater valve assembly through the backwater valveassembly 10 and out through the inlet 26. In this manner, the exemplaryembodiment of the backwater valve assembly 10 of the present disclosuremay be used to prevent sewage or waste water from backing up into aresidence or building as the result of a blocked waste removal system,such as storm or sanitary sewer at a location downstream from thebackwater valve assembly 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1C, in the illustrated exemplary embodimentof backwater valve assembly 10, cap 40 is connected with the main valvebody to enclose the interior 24 of the main valve body 20. When theflapper sub-assembly 30 is mounted within the backwater valve assembly10 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the cap 40 also servesto retain the flapper subassembly 30 within the flapper sub-assemblyrecess 50 of the main valve body 20. Cap 40 of the illustrated exemplaryembodiment includes a mounting portion 42 which is adapted for receiptwithin port 60 of main valve body 20 to provide a fluid tight sealbetween cap 40 and main valve body 20. The cap 40 may be mounted withinport 60 in a variety of ways in various embodiments. For example, themounting portion 42 of the cap 40 may include threads that mate withcorresponding threads defined within port 60, the cap 40 may be retainedwithin port 60 by a friction fit, the cap 40 may be retained within port60 by use of locking tabs that fit within corresponding slots in theport 60, or the cap 40 may be retained within port 60 in any othersuitable manner. In embodiments that include a cap 40 that is threadablyengaged with port 60, cap 40 and port 60 may be dimensioned andconfigured to accommodate engagement of threads defined within theinterior of port 60 with threads defined on the exterior of mountingportion 42 or to accommodate engagement of threads defined on theexterior of port 60 with threads defined on the interior of mountingportion 42. Cap 40 of the exemplary embodiment includes a plurality ofribs 44 that may serve to provide the strength and rigidity. Ribs 44 mayalso be used to assist in turning the cap 40 to screw the cap 40 withinport 60 in embodiments where the cap 40 is threadably engaged with port60.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2F, the main valve body 20 and cap 40 of theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C are shown in greaterdetail. The illustrated exemplary embodiment of main valve body 20includes a front wall 210, side walls 212, rear wall 214 and bottom wall215 that combine to form the partially enclosed interior 24 of mainvalve body 20. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, inlet 26 andoutlet 28 are conduits 216 and 218 that extend outwardly from main valvebody 20, however, in additional embodiments the inlet 26 and 28 may beshaped or configured differently. For example, the inlet 26 and outlet28 may merely be flanges or openings defined within one or more of thewalls 210, 212, 214 and 215 of the main valve body 20. While the inlet26 and outlet 28 have circular cross-sectional shapes in the illustratedembodiment, it should be understood that the inlet 26 and outlet 28 mayhave a variety of different cross-sectional shapes and configurations inadditional embodiments.

The exemplary embodiment of main valve body 20 illustrated in FIGS.2A-2F includes surface 220. When cap 40 is mounted within port 60, thebottom surface 224 of mounting portion 42 of cap 40 abuts surface 220when cap 40 has been fully inserted to provide a firm seat for cap 40within the main valve body 20. Cap 40 of the exemplary illustratedembodiment includes rim 226 that abuts top surface 222 of port 60 whencap 40 has been fully inserted within port 60. The illustratedembodiment of main valve body 20 includes rim 228 that project outwardlyfrom port 60. However, it should be understood that the main valve body20 and cap 40 may have a variety of shapes and configurations inadditional embodiments, and may be provided without surface 220, rim 226or rim 228.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3P, the flapper sub-assembly 30 and cap 40 ofthe exemplary embodiment of the backwater valve assembly 10 illustratedin FIGS. 1A-1C are shown in greater detail. The main body portion 32 ofthe flapper sub-assembly 30 of the exemplary illustrated embodimentincludes a outer wall 300 that is generally sized, shaped and configuredto correspond to the shape of the flapper sub-assembly recess 50 of themain valve body 20 that receives the main body portion 32 of the flappersub-assembly 30. The correspondence of the shape of the outer wall 300of the main body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 with theshape of the flapper sub-assembly recess 50 of the main valve body 20provides for general ease of assembly and the consistent and properalignment of the flapper sub-assembly 30 with the main valve body 20during assembly and re-assembly of the backwater valve assembly.

It should be understood that the flapper sub-assembly 30 and the flappersub-assembly recess 50 may have a variety of different sizes, shapes andconfiguration in various additional embodiments of the backwater valveassembly 10. Furthermore, in additional embodiments the flappersub-assembly 30 may be integrally formed with the main valve body 20 orattached to the main valve body using any of a variety of suitableattachment means, such as, for example, the flapper sub-assembly 30 maybe coupled to the main valve body 20 by fasteners, projections that matewith recesses, fasteners that mate with projections or recesses and thelike.

In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, a flat internal wall 302 islocated within the outer wall 300 of the main body portion 32 of theflapper sub-assembly 30. The opening 38 is defined within wall 302.While the opening 38 of the illustrated embodiment has a circular shape,it should be understood that a wide variety of suitable shapes could beused for opening 38 in additional embodiments. Flapper 34 is pivotallyconnected to the main body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 bypivot element 36 that mounts within recess 304 of the main body portion32. However, it should be understood that flapper 24 may be coupled tothe main body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 in a variety ofways in additional embodiments. For example, the flapper 24 may beconnected to the main body portion by a resilient member, a linkage, orany other suitable means. In yet further additional embodiments, theflapper 24 may be coupled directly to the main valve body 20 formovement relative to the main valve body 20.

The exemplary embodiment of flapper 24 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3Pincludes a gasket 314 located on the face of the flapper 24 to form agenerally fluid tight seal against wall 302 when the flapper 24 is inthe closed position covering opening 38 to prevent fluid from travellingthrough the opening 38 when the flapper 24 is in the closed position.The gasket 314 may be formed from any resilient member, such as rubber.It should be understood that additional embodiments of the flapper 24 ofthe backwater valve assembly 10 may be provided without such a gasket314.

The exemplary illustrated embodiment of the main body portion 32 of theflapper sub-assembly 30 includes a mounting feature 306 that projectsupwardly from an upper wall 308 of the main body portion 32 for receiptwithin recess 310 defined within lower surface 312 of cap 40 forcoupling the main body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 to cap40. The mounting feature 306 of the exemplary illustrated embodimentincludes a plurality of arcuate shaped wall segments that flex to createa “snap-fit” with recess 310 of cap 40 while still allowing cap 40 torotate relative to the main body portion 32. In this manner, the cap 40and main body portion 32 can be securely coupled together and yet thecap 40 is left free to rotate relative to the main body portion. Thispermits for the cap 40 to be threaded into or out of port 60 while themain body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 remains stationaryin the flapper sub-assembly recess 50 of the main valve body 20 duringinstallation of the flapper sub-assembly 30 and cap 40 into the mainvalve body 20 during the assembly, disassembly and re-assembly of thebackwater valve assembly 10.

However, it should be understood that in additional embodiments the cap40 and main body portion 32 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 may becoupled in a variety of different ways. For example, a mounting featurecould project from the lower face of the cap that is received within arecess defined within the main body portion 32 of the flappersub-assembly 30 or any other suitable coupling method could be used.Also, in additional embodiments, the cap 40 may not be rotatablerelative to the main body portion 32 subsequent to the coupling of thecap 40 to the main body portion 32.

In various embodiments of the backwater valve assembly that include acap 400 that is coupled to the flapper sub-assembly 30, both the cap 40and flapper sub-assembly 30 may be installed into or removed from thebackwater valve assembly 10 together. This provides for the removal ofboth the cap 40 and flapper sub-assembly 30 from the backwater valveassembly 10 together to allow for the repair and replacement of theflapper 34 of the flapper sub-assembly 30 or other parts thereof withoutthe need to remove or uninstall the remainder of the backwater valveassembly 10 and even if the main valve body 20 is buried beneath theground or in another location that is otherwise inaccessible ordifficult to access.

The main valve body 20, cap 40, flapper sub-assembly 30, and flapper 34of the various embodiments of backwater valve assembly 10 disclosedherein may be formed from any suitable material. For example, in variousembodiments, main valve body 20, cap 40, flapper sub-assembly 30, andflapper 34 may be constructed from one or a combination of metals, suchas steel or aluminum, or one or a combination of thermoplastic orelastomeric materials, such as plastic. The main valve body 20, cap 40,flapper sub-assembly 30, and flapper 34 may be formed manufactured byone of a variety of methods that are known in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4H, a second exemplary embodiment of a cap 400for a backwater valve assembly 10 of the present disclosure isillustrated, which is a modified version of the cap 40 illustrated inFIGS. 1-3. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS. 4A-4H to indicateelements of cap 400 which may be similar but may not be identical toelements of cap 40. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4H, the cap 400 has a mountingportion 42′, a plurality of ribs 44′, and a rim 226′. The cap 400further includes cap gripping feature 410. The illustrated exemplaryembodiment of cap gripping feature 410 includes a plurality of openings420 defined within a top surface 422 of the gripping feature 410 andadapted to receive a tool or other element for rotation of cap 400 bythe tool to install/remove the cap 400 and/or flapper sub-assembly frommain valve body. Cap gripping feature 410 can be coupled to cap 400 in avariety of suitable ways. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, thecap gripping feature 410 includes a plurality of slots 430 definedwithin the sidewall 432 of cap gripping feature 410. Slots 430 of capgripping feature are sized, shaped and configured to receive ribs 44′ ofcap 400. The illustrated exemplary embodiment of cap 400 includes capgripper mount 440 formed by generally circular shaped wall 450 that isbisected by wall 460. Circular wall 450 is sized, shaped and configuredto fit within the sidewall 432 of cap gripping feature. Wall 460 issized, shaped and configured to fit within slot 470 defined in bottomsurface 472 of cap gripping feature 410 (illustrated in FIG. 4C). Thereceipt of the cap gripper mount 440 within the cap gripping feature 410and the engagement of slots 430, 470 of the illustrated embodiment ofcap gripping feature 410 with ribs 44′ and wall 460, respectively, ofcap 400 secure the cap gripping feature 410 to cap 400 and prevent therotation of the cap gripping feature relative to the cap 400. In thismanner, rotation of the cap gripping feature 410 will result in acorresponding rotation of the cap 400.

Referring now to FIG. 4F an exemplary embodiment of a tool 480 for usewith the cap gripping feature 410 is illustrated. The tool 480 generallyincludes a handle 482 and a key end 484. In the illustrated embodiment,the key end 484 of tool 480 includes two projections 486. In variousadditional embodiments, the key end 484 of the tool 480 may have anyvariety of shapes and configurations. As illustrated in FIGS. 4G-4H, thebit 486 of tool 480 is shaped and configured to correspond with and fitwithin openings 420 of cap gripping feature 410. The illustratedexemplary embodiment of tool 480 is generally referred to as a “streetkey” which are traditionally used by plumbers in connection with theoperation of ball valves, such as those used with water supply metersand other valves. Street keys are tools that would likely be included inthe group of tools that most plumbers have access to and use on a dailybasis. The exemplary illustrated embodiment of cap gripping feature 410of cap 400 includes openings 420 that are adapted for receipt of theprojections 486 of the key end 484 of a street key. Since most plumberswill generally have access to a street key, they will be able to removecap 400 (and optionally the flapper assembly that is rotatably connectedto the cap 400) from the backwater valve assembly 10 without the needfor an additional specialized tool.

In the illustrated embodiment of the cap griping feature 410, the capgripping feature is formed of a resilient material, such as rubber, thatprovides a frictional gripping force between the tool 480 and the capgripping feature 410, although the cap gripping feature 410 ofadditional embodiments may be formed from a variety of suitablematerials and need not be formed from a resilient material. The capgripping feature 410 may be coupled with the cap 400 in a variety ofdifferent ways in various embodiments. For example, the cap grippingfeature 410 may be bonded or adhered to the cap 400 by the use of anadhesive or other fastening mechanism or the cap gripping feature 410may be over-molded onto the cap 400.

The frictional gripping force between the tool 480 and cap grippingfeature 410 of the illustrated exemplary embodiment allows the tool 480to be used to retract the cap 400 from main valve body 20 once the cap400 is disengaged from main valve body. Similarly, the gripping of thecap gripping feature 410 (and, by extension, the cap 400) by the tool480 provides for the installation of the cap 400 into the main valvebody 20 from a location at a distance from the backwater valve assembly10. This permits for the remote installation and removal of the cap 400from the main valve body 20 of the backwater valve assembly 10, whichprovides for access to the interior of the backwater valve assembly 10without the need for an installer or worker to be within arm's reach ofthe backwater valve assembly or be able to reach the cap by hand.

In various embodiments of the backwater valve assembly that include acap 400 with a cap gripping feature 410 and the cap 400 is rotatablycoupled to the flapper sub-assembly 30, both the cap 400 and flappersub-assembly 30 which are coupled together may be installed into orremoved from the backwater valve assembly 10 from a location at adistance from the backwater valve assembly 10. This permits for theremote installation and removal of the cap 400 and flapper sub-assembly30 and the main valve body 20 of the backwater valve assembly, whichprovides for access to the interior of the backwater valve assemblywithout the need for an installer or worker to be within arm's reach ofthe backwater valve assembly or be able to reach the cap by hand.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5I, a second exemplary embodiment of backwatervalve assembly 500 is illustrated. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS.5A-5I to indicate elements of backwater valve assembly 500 which may besimilar but may not be identical to elements of backwater valve assembly10. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5I, the illustrated exemplary embodiment ofbackwater valve assembly 500 generally includes a main valve body 20′, aflapper sub-assembly 30′ and a cap 40′. The main valve body 20′ of theexemplary embodiment of the backwater valve assembly 500 generallyincludes a main wall 22′ that defines an interior space 24′, an inlet26′ and a outlet 28′.

The flapper sub-assembly 30′ of the exemplary illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 5A-5I generally includes a main body portion 32′, a first flapperelement 502 and a second flapper element 504. The second flapper element504 is pivotally connected to the main body portion 32 by a pivotelement 506. The first flapper element 502 is pivotally connected to themain body portion 32 by a pivot element 508. A flapper sub-assemblyrecess 50′ is defined by wall 52′ of the main valve body 20′ thatreceives the main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′. Thefirst flapper element 502 and second flapper element 504 pivot on pivotelements 506 and 508 relative to the main body portion 32′ between anopen position in which opening 38′ defined through the main body portion32′. Since the first flapper element 502 hangs down from the pivotelement 508, gravity causes the first flapper element to be “normallyclosed,” i.e. the first flapper element 502 is normally in contact withthe main body portion 32′. Since the pivot element 506 is at the bottomof the main body portion 32′, gravity causes the second flapper element504 to be “normally open,” i.e. the second flapper element 504 isnormally pivoted away from the main body portion 32′ by gravity. Theillustrated second flapper element 504 includes a float portion (e.g.512). When first flapper element 502 is in the closed position, opening510 defined through first flapper element 502 receives a projection 512that extends from second flapper element 504 to create a fluid tightseal.

Referring to FIG. 5E, when fluid flows from an upstream location (e.g.building or residence) of the main body 20′, the first flapper 502 isrotated to an open position and the second flapper 504 substantiallyremains in the open position. In this manner, the flappers 502, 504permit fluid to freely flow from upstream of the backwater valveassembly 500, through the backwater valve assembly 500, through thebackwater valve assembly 500, and out the outlet 28′.

However, referring to FIG. 5D, if the fluid enters the backwater valveassembly 500 through the outlet 28′, the first flapper 502 will remainin or pivot to the closed position. The fluid entering the outlet 28′will lift the float portion 505 of the second flapper 504, until thesecond flapper closes and seals against the first flapper 502. Theexemplary embodiment of the backwater valve assembly 500 prevents fluidflowing from a location downstream of the backwater valve assembly 500and out the inlet 26′. In this manner, the exemplary embodiment of thebackwater valve 500 may be used to prevent sewage or waste water frombacking up into a residence or building.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, a third exemplary embodiment of backwatervalve assembly 600 is illustrated. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS.6A-6D to indicate elements of backwater valve assembly 600 which may besimilar but may not be identical to elements of backwater valve assembly10. Referring to FIGS. 6A-6D, the illustrated exemplary embodiment ofbackwater valve assembly 600 generally includes a main valve body 20′and a flow control element 610 that permits fluid to flow freely in onedirection but generally prevents fluid from flowing in the oppositedirection. The main valve body 20′ of the exemplary embodiment of thebackwater valve assembly 600 generally includes a main wall 22′ thatdefines an interior space 24′, an inlet 26′ and a outlet 28′.

The flow control element 610 is pivotally mounted (either directly orindirectly) to a cap (not shown) of the backwater valve assembly 600 orthe main valve body 20′ by pivot element 620. The flow control element610 pivots on pivot element 620 relative to the main valve body 20′between a closed position in which inlet 26′ of main valve body 20′ isblocked (as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B) to prevent the backflow of fluidfrom the interior 24′ of the main valve body 20′ through the inlet 26′and an open position in which inlet 26′ of main valve body 20′ isunblocked (as illustrated in FIG. 6C). When the backwater valve assembly600 is not experiencing any fluid flow, the flow control element 610remains in a neutral position (as illustrated in FIG. 6D). The flowcontrol element 610 of the illustrated exemplary embodiment 610 has aspherical shape, however, the flow control element of additionalembodiments may have any shape that serves to permits fluid to flowfreely in one direction but generally prevent fluid from flowing in theopposite direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, a fourth exemplary embodiment of backwatervalve assembly 700 is illustrated. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS.7A-7D to indicate elements of backwater valve assembly 700 which may besimilar but may not be identical to elements of backwater valve assembly10. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D, the illustrated exemplary embodiment ofbackwater valve assembly 700 generally includes a main valve body 20′, avalve assembly 710, and a cap 40′. The valve assembly 710 includes aflow control element 720 that permits fluid to flow freely in onedirection but generally prevents fluid from flowing in the oppositedirection. The valve assembly 710 includes a retainer portion 730 thatincludes a flow control receiving ring 740 with opening 750 definedtherethrough. The flow control receiving ring 740 and opening 750 aresized, shaped and configured to at least partially receive flow controlelement 720 (as best illustrated in FIG. 7C). The retainer portion 730of the valve assembly 710 may be coupled to cap 40′ as describedpreviously in connection with other exemplary embodiments. The mainvalve body 20′ of the exemplary embodiment of the backwater valveassembly 500 generally includes a main wall 22′ that defines an interiorspace 24′, an inlet 26′ and a outlet 28′.

The flow control element 710 moves within the interior 24′ of the mainvalve body 20′ relative to the main valve body 20′ between a closedposition in which inlet 26′ of main valve body 20′ is blocked (asillustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B) to prevent the backflow of fluid from theinterior 24′ of the main valve body 20′ through the inlet 26′ and anopen position in which inlet 26′ of main valve body 20′ is unblocked (asillustrated in FIG. 7C). When the backwater valve assembly 600 is notexperiencing any fluid flow, the flow control element 710 remains in aneutral position (as illustrated in FIG. 7D). As best illustrated inFIG. 7B, the retainer portion 730 of the valve assembly 710 includes afirst projection 760 and a second projection 770 that extend outwardlyfrom the retainer portion 730. The projections 760 and 770 are sized,shaped and configured to assist in retaining the flow control element720 within the retainer portion. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7B,the distance “x” between second projection 770 and wall 210 of mainvalve body is dimensioned to prevent flow control element 720 fromfalling out of the retainer portion 730. While the flow control element710 of the illustrated exemplary embodiment 610 has a spherical shape,it should be understood that the flow control element of additionalembodiments may have any shape that serves to permit fluid to flowfreely in one direction but generally prevent fluid from flowing in theopposite direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, a fifth exemplary embodiment of backwatervalve assembly 800 is illustrated. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS.8A-8C to indicate elements of backwater valve assembly 800 which may besimilar but may not be identical to elements of backwater valve assembly10. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, the illustrated exemplary embodiment ofbackwater valve assembly 800 generally includes a main valve body 20′, acap 40′, and a valve assembly 810. The valve assembly 810 includes aflow control element 820 that permits fluid to flow freely in onedirection but generally prevents fluid from flowing in the oppositedirection. The main valve body 20′ of the exemplary embodiment of thebackwater valve assembly 800 generally includes a main wall 22′ thatdefines an interior space 24′, an inlet 26′ and a outlet 28′.

The flow control element 820 may be pivotally mounted (either directlyor indirectly) to a cap 40′, main valve body 20′, or some other portionof the backwater valve assembly 800 by pivot element 830. As illustratedin FIGS. 8A-8C, the flow control element 820 is mounted by pivot element830 to plate 840. Plate 840 may be coupled to the cap 40 or main valvebody 20′ in various embodiments. The flow control element 820 pivots onpivot element 830 relative to the main valve body 20′ between a closedposition in which inlet 26′ of main valve body 20′ is blocked (asillustrated in FIGS. 8A) to prevent the backflow of fluid from theinterior 24′ of the main valve body 20′ through the inlet 26′ and anopen position in which inlet 26′ of main valve body 20′ is unblocked(not shown). The flow control element 820 of the illustrated exemplaryembodiment 820 has the shape of half of a sphere, however, the flowcontrol element of additional embodiments may have any shape that servesto permits fluid to flow freely in one direction but generally preventfluid from flowing in the opposite direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, a sixth exemplary embodiment of backwatervalve assembly 900 is illustrated. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS.9A-9B to indicate elements of backwater valve assembly 900 which may besimilar but may not be identical to elements of backwater valve assembly10. Referring to FIGS. 9A-9B, the illustrated exemplary embodiment ofbackwater valve assembly 900 generally includes a main valve body 20′, acap 40′, and a valve assembly 910. The valve assembly 910 includes mainbody portion 920 and a flow control element 930 that permit fluid toflow freely in one direction but generally prevents fluid from flowingin the opposite direction. The flow control element 930 may include afloatable portion. It should be understand that the various flow controlelements and flappers disclosed herein may each include a floatable orbuoyant portion in various embodiments. The main valve body 20′ of theexemplary embodiment of the backwater valve assembly 800 generallyincludes a main wall 22′ that defines an interior space 24′, an inlet26′ and a outlet 28′.

The flow control element 930 may be pivotally mounted (either directlyor indirectly) to cap 40′, main valve body 20′, main body portion 920 ofthe valve assembly 910 or some other portion of the backwater valveassembly 900 by pivot element 940. The flow control element 930 pivotson pivot element 940 relative to the main valve body 20′ between aclosed position in which opening 950 defined within the main bodyportion 920 of the valve assembly 910 is blocked to prevent the backflowof fluid from the interior 24′ of the main valve body 20′ through theinlet 26′ and an open position in which opening 950 defined within themain body portion 920 of the valve assembly 910 is unblocked. The flowcontrol element 930 of the illustrated exemplary embodiment 820 has afrustoconical shape, however, the flow control element of additionalembodiments may have any shape that serves to permits fluid to flowfreely in one direction but generally prevents fluid from flowing in theopposite direction.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C, an exemplary embodiment of a backwater valveassembly 1000 is illustrated. The prime symbol is utilized in FIGS.10A-10C to indicate elements of backwater valve assembly 1000 which maybe similar but may not be identical to elements of backwater valveassembly 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. The exemplary backwater valveassembly 1000, shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, generally includes a main valvebody 20′, a flapper sub-assembly 30′ and a cap 40′.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the main valve body 20′ generally includes amain wall 22′ that defines an interior space 24′, an inlet 26′, anoutlet 28′, and a port 60′. In some embodiments, inlet 26′ and outlet28′ can be conduits that extend outwardly from main valve body 20′,however, in additional embodiments the inlet 26′ and 28′ may be shapedor configured differently. For example, the inlet 26′ and outlet 28′ canbe flanges or openings defined within the circular openings formed bythe main wall 22′ of the main valve body 20′. While the inlet 26′ andoutlet 28′ have circular cross-sectional shapes in the illustratedembodiment, it should be understood that the inlet 26′ and outlet 28′may have a variety of different cross-sectional shapes andconfigurations in additional embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the flapper sub-assembly 30′ has a flapperelement 34′ and a main body portion 32′ having an opening 1038. When theflapper element 34′ is in the open position, the inlet 26′, interiorspace 24′ of the main valve body 20′, opening 1038 of the main bodyportion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′, and outlet 28′ combine todefine a fluid flow path “F” through the backwater valve assembly 1000.With the flapper element 34′ in the open position, fluid is free to flowfrom an upstream location (e.g. building or residence) of the main valvebody 20′, through the inlet 26′, through the interior space 24′ of themain valve body 20′, through opening 1038 of the main body portion 32′of the flapper sub-assembly 30′, and out of the outlet 28′ to adownstream locations (e.g., stoma or sanitary sewer) of the backwatervalve assembly 1000. In this manner, the flapper element 34′ permitsfluid to flow freely through the backwater valve assembly 1000 frominlet 26′ to outlet 28′.

However, if fluid enters the backwater valve assembly 1000 from aposition downstream of the backwater valve assembly 1000 through theoutlet 28′ in a direction opposing that of flow path “F”, the flapperelement 24′ will pivot to the closed position in response to the fluidflow and cover over opening 1038, thus preventing fluid from flowingfrom a location downstream of the backwater valve assembly 1000 throughthe backwater valve assembly 1000 and out through the inlet 26′. In thismanner, the exemplary embodiment of the backwater valve assembly 1000can be used to prevent sewage or waste water from backing up into aresidence or building as the result of a blocked waste removal system,such as a storm or sanitary sewer at a location downstream from thebackwater valve assembly 1000.

Referring still to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10A-10C,the main valve body 20′ can include a port 60′ disposed in the main wall22′. The port 60′ can be generally circular in shape and can extend in agenerally vertical direction through the main wall 22′. The port 60′ canbe threaded in order to be threadably engaged with the cap 40′. Theexemplary embodiment of the main valve body 20′ illustrated in FIGS.10B-10C includes surface 1028. When cap 40′ is mounted within port 60′,a bottom surface 1060 of cap mounting portion 1062 of cap 40′ can abutsurface 1028 when cap 40′ has been fully inserted to provide a firm seatfor cap 40′ within the main valve body 20′. In some embodiments, a capsealing element 1066 (shown in FIG. 10B) can be used to create agenerally fluid tight seal between the cap 40′ and the main valve body20′. Cap sealing element 1066 can be formed of any resilient material,such as rubber, for example. In some embodiments, the cap sealingelement 1066 can be a rubber O-ring. Cap 40′ of the exemplaryillustrated embodiment can include rim 1064 that abuts top surface 1029of port 60′ when cap 40′ has been fully inserted within port 60′.However, it should be understood that the main valve body 20′, port 60′,and cap 40′ can have a variety of shapes and configurations inadditional embodiments, and can be provided without surface 1028 or rim1064.

Referring again to FIGS. 10A-10C, in the illustrated exemplaryembodiment of backwater valve assembly 1000, cap 40′ is connected withthe main valve body 20′ to enclose the interior space 24′ of the mainvalve body 20′. When the flapper sub-assembly 30′ is mounted within thebackwater valve assembly 1000 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.10A-10C, the cap 40′ vertically retains the flapper subassembly 30′ inthe flapper sub-assembly position 1020 of the main valve body 20′. Cap40′ of the illustrated exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 10B-10C includes acap mounting portion 1062 which is adapted for receipt within port 60′of main valve body 20′ to provide a generally fluid tight seal betweencap 40′ and main valve body 20′. The cap 40′ may be mounted within port60′ in a variety of ways in various embodiments. For example, the capmounting portion 1062 may include threads that mate with correspondingthreads defined within port 60′, the cap 40′ may be retained within port60′ by a friction fit, the cap 40′ may be retained within port 60′ byuse of locking tabs that fit within corresponding slots in the port 60′,or the cap 40′ may be retained within port 60′ in any other suitablemanner. In embodiments that include a cap 40′ that is threadably engagedwith port 60′, the cap 40′ and port 60′ may be dimensioned andconfigured to accommodate engagement of threads defined within theinterior of port 60′ with threads defined on the exterior of capmounting portion 1062 or to accommodate engagement of threads defined onthe exterior of port 60′ with threads defined on the interior of capmounting portion 1062.

As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the main valve body 20′ can have a pluralityof guide elements 1022 and a mounting surface 1026 that define a flappersub-assembly position 1020. As illustrated, the mounting surface 1026can be generally located at the inlet 26′ side of the interior space 24′of the main valve body 20′ and can be a flat surface disposed at anangle from vertical and having an mounting surface opening 1025 that isgenerally circular in shape. The angle of the mounting surface 1026 canbe sufficient to allow gravitational force enable seal the flapperelement 34′ to form a generally fluid tight seal against the main bodyportion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ when in the closed position(i.e., in response to a no-flow or backflow condition). In someembodiments, the mounting surface opening 1025 can have dimensionssubstantially similar to the interior dimensions of the inlet 26′. Theguide elements 1022 can extend from the main wall 22′ of the main valvebody 20′ into the interior space 24′ in a manner that is generallyperpendicular to flow path “F” through the backwater valve assembly1000. The guide elements 1022 can be disposed on either side of theinterior space 24′ such that the guide elements 1022 secure the flappersub-assembly 30′ against the mounting surface 1026 (illustrated in FIGS.10B-10C). In some embodiments, the main valve body 20′ can have fourguide elements 1022 arranged such that two guide elements 1022 can becoupled to each side of the main wall 22′ to form a channel 1024 downinto which the flapper sub-assembly 30′ can slide vertically. In someembodiments, the main valve body 20′ can have two guide elements 1022,one on either side of the interior space 24′. In some embodiments, theguide elements 1022 can be formed or cast as part of the main wall 22′of the main valve body 20′. In some embodiments, the guide elements 1022can be formed in a separate forming process and can be coupled to themain wall 22′ of the main valve body 20′.

The flapper sub-assembly 30′ of the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C generally includes a main body portion 32′ and a flapperelement 34′ integrated with the main body portion 32′. As previouslydescribed, a flapper sub-assembly position 1020 is defined by a mountingsurface 1026 and a plurality of guide elements 1022, in the main valvebody 20′, that receive the main body portion 32′ of the flappersub-assembly 30′. The main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly30′ includes a outer wall 1036 that is generally sized, shaped andconfigured to correspond to the shape of the flapper sub-assemblyposition 1020 of the main valve body 20′ that receives the main bodyportion 3′2 of the flapper sub-assembly 30′. The correspondence of theshape of the outer wall 1036 of the main body main body portion 32′ ofthe flapper sub-assembly 30′ with the shape of the flapper sub-assemblyposition 1020 of the main valve body 20′ provides for general ease ofassembly and the consistent and proper alignment of the flappersub-assembly 30′ with the main valve body 20′ during assembly andre-assembly of the backwater valve assembly 1000.

The main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 34′ has a firstopening 1038 that can be generally similar in shape to the mountingsurface opening 1025 of the main valve body 20′. In the exemplaryembodiment depicted in FIGS. 10A-10C, the outer wall 1036 of the mainbody portion 32′ can be U-shaped to conform to the shape of the mainwall 22′ of the main valve body 20′ that is also generally U-shaped. Themain body portion 32′ has a main body mounting surface 1030 that isgenerally flat and oriented in a direction opposing the mounting surface1026 of the main valve body 20′. The main body mounting surface 1030 isangled such that the main body mounting surface 1030 can seat againstthe mounting surface 1026 of the main valve body 20′. In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C, the main body mounting surface 1030 canhave a groove 1032 that is generally circular and that can accommodate afirst seal member 1034 (illustrated in FIG. 10C). The first seal member1034 can be made of any resilient material and can create a generallyfluid tight seal between the main body mounting surface 1030 of theflapper sub-assembly 30′ and the mounting surface 1026 of the main valvebody 20′. In some embodiments, the first seal member 1034 can be anO-ring.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, a second seal member 1037 can be coupled tothe outer wall 1036 of the main body portion 32′ of the flappersub-assembly 30′ such that the second seal member 1037 creates agenerally fluid tight seal between the outer wall 1036 of the main bodyportion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ and the main wall 22′ of themain valve body 20′ when the flapper sub-assembly 30′ is installed inthe main valve body 20′. The second seal member 1037 can prevent fluidfrom seeping through gaps between the flapper sub-assembly 30′ and themain valve body 20′ when the flapper element 34′ is in the closedposition. The second seal member 1037 can be made of any resilientmaterial capable of forming a generally fluid tight seal.

As shown in FIGS. 10B-10C, the main body portion 32′ can have an upperwall 1040 disposed above the main body mounting surface 1030 and theouter wall 1036. The upper wall 1040 can include a flapper element mountportion 1041 and a cap mount portion 1044. The flapper element mountportion 1041 can be disposed above the main body mounting surface 1030and can extend towards the inlet 26′ in a plane parallel to flow path“F”. The flapper element mount portion 1041 can have one or more tabs1043 (see FIG. 14A) extending vertically from the flapper element mountportion 1041. In some embodiments, the tabs 1043 can be used to securethe flapper element 34′ to the main body portion 32′. The upper wall1040 of the main body portion 32′ can have a cap mount portion 1044 thatis generally horizontal and generally facilitates attachment of theflapper sub-assembly 30′ to the cap 40′ (described in more detailbelow). The main body portion 32′ has a second opening 1042 (shown inFIG. 10C) disposed downstream of the flapper element mount portion 1041.The second opening 1042 is generally disposed between the flapperelement mount portion 104 and the cap mount portion 1044 and can be aslot through which the flapper element 34′ is disposed.

Shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the flapper element 34′ can be integrated withthe main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′. The flapperelement 34′ is constructed of a resilient material and has a mountingportion 1050, a pivot portion 1052, and a flapper portion 1054. Thepivot portion 1052 is disposed between the flapper portion 1054 and themounting portion 1050. With the mounting portion 1050 secured to thehorizontal portion 1040 of the main body portion 32′ of the flappersub-assembly 30′, the pivot portion 1052 enables the flapper portion1054 to pivot relative to the mounting portion 1050 between an openposition, in which the first opening 1038 through the main body portion32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ is uncovered, and a closed position,in which the flapper portion 1054 covers the first opening 1038. Asillustrated in FIGS. 10B-10C, the flapper portion 1054 can have aprotrusion 1056 disposed along an outer periphery 1055 of the flapperportion 1054 on an inlet side of the flapper portion 1054, which is theside of the flapper portion 1054 facing the inlet 26′ of the main valvebody 20′. The flapper element 34′ can be made of a resilient materialcapable of allowing the pivot portion 1052 to pivot and capable ofenabling the protrusion 1056 to create a generally fluid tight sealagainst the main body portion 32′ when the flapper element 34′ is in theclosed position.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, certain aspects of the main valve body20′ and cap 40′ of the exemplary embodiment of backwater valve assembly1000 illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C are shown in further detail. Backwatervalve assembly 1000 includes a main valve body 20′, a cap 40′, and aflapper sub-assembly 30′. The main valve body 20′ includes a main wall22′, inlet 26′, and outlet 28′. As shown in FIG. 11C, the flappersub-assembly 30′, which includes a main body portion 32′ and a flapperelement 34′, is disposed within the interior space 24′ formed by themain wall 22′ of the main valve body 20′. The cap 40′ of the exemplaryembodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D, can include a plurality ofribs 1070 that can provide strength and rigidity to the cap 40′. Ribs1070 can be used to assist in turning the cap 40′ to screw or unscrewthe cap 40′ within port 60′ in embodiments where the cap 40′ isthreadably engaged with port 60′. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B, cap40′ can include a cap gripper mount 1072 that can accommodate a capgripping feature (as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4H). As shown in FIGS.11A-11B, the cap gripper mount 1072 is formed by a generally circularshaped wall 1074 that is bisected by wall 1076. Circular wall 1074 andwall 1076 are sized, shaped and configured to integrate with a capgripping feature, such as the cap gripping feature illustrated in FIGS.4A-4D, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12G, certain aspects of the flappersub-assembly 30′ and cap 40′ of the exemplary embodiment of backwatervalve assembly 1000 illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C are shown in furtherdetail. The exemplary illustrated embodiment of the cap 40′ includes aflapper sub-assembly mount feature 1080 that extends vertically downwardfrom the cap bottom surface 1060 (as shown in FIG. 12B). The flappersub-assembly mount feature 1080 includes a mount feature wall 1082 and arim 1084. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12G, themount feature wall 1082 is circular in shape. In other embodiments ofthe backwater valve assembly 1000, the mount feature wall 1082 can haveany convenient shape, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or othershape, for example. In some embodiments, the mount feature wall 1082 canbe a plurality of arcuate wall segments. As shown in FIGS. 12B-12D, theflapper element mount feature 1080 has a rim 1084 disposed near thebottom of the mount feature wall 1082 and protruding outward from themount feature wall 1082. The flapper element mount feature 1080 can becharacterized by a first dimension 1086 that describes an outerdimension of the mount feature wall 1082 and a second dimension 1088that describes an outer dimension of the rim 1084. In the illustratedexemplary embodiment, the second dimension 1088 is generally expected tobe greater than the first dimension 1086.

Still referring to FIGS. 12A-12G, the upper wall 1040 of the main bodyportion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ illustrated includes a capmount portion 1044 having a plurality of mounting arms 1046 that form acap mount opening 1048. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the capmount portion 1044 has two mounting arms 1046 that create a cap mountopening 1048 dimensioned and configured so that the cap mount portion1044 can slide over the flapper sub-assembly mount feature 1080 of thecap 40′ such that the mounting arms 1046 of the cap mount portion 1044are supported by the rim 1084 of the flapper sub-assembly mount feature1080 and such that the cap 40′ can freely rotate relative to the flappersub-assembly 30′. In this manner, the cap 40′ and main body portion 32′can be securely coupled together and yet the cap 40′ is free to rotaterelative to the main body portion 32′. This permits for the cap 40′ tobe threaded into or out of the port in the main valve body (not shown)while the main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ remainsstationary in the flapper sub-assembly position of the main valve bodyduring installation of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ and cap 40′ into themain valve body during the assembly, disassembly, and re-assembly of thebackwater valve assembly 1000. In some embodiments, such as theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, the mounting arms 1046 canhave an inward protrusion 1047 at the end such that the inwardprotrusion 1047 can act as a clip or a stop to prevent the flappersub-assembly 30′ from sliding off of the flapper sub-assembly mountfeature 1080 on the cap 40′. FIGS. 12C-12D depict a flapper sub-assembly30′ secured to the cap 40′.

However, it should be understood that in additional embodiments the cap40′ and main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ may becoupled in a variety of different ways. For example, a mounting featurecould project from the upper wall of the flapper sub-assembly and bereceived by a recess defined in the cap bottom surface, or any othersuitable coupling method could be used. Also, in additional embodiments,the cap 40′ may not be rotatable relative to the main body portion 32′subsequent to the coupling of the cap 40′ to the main body portion 32′,such as in an embodiment using an interference fit to secure the cap tothe main valve body, for example.

In various embodiments of the backwater valve assembly 1000 that includea cap 40′ that is coupled to the flapper sub-assembly 30′, both the cap40′ and flapper sub-assembly 30′ can be installed into or removed fromthe backwater valve assembly 1000 together. This provides for theremoval of both the cap 40′ and flapper sub-assembly 30′ from thebackwater valve assembly 1000 together to allow for the repair andreplacement of the flapper 34′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ or otherparts thereof without the need to remove or uninstall the remainder ofthe backwater valve assembly 1000 and even if the main valve body 20′ isburied beneath the ground or in another location that is otherwiseinaccessible or difficult to access.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13B, certain aspects of flapper sub-assembly30′ of the exemplary embodiment of backwater valve assembly 1000illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C are shown in further detail. The flappersub-assembly 30′ includes a main body portion 32′ and a flapper element34′ that is integrated with the main body portion 32′. The main bodyportion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ has an outer wall 1036 thatgenerally conforms to the contour of the main wall of the main valvebody and is shown in FIG. 13A as being generally U-shaped. The main bodyportion 32′ has a first opening 1038 that can be generally circular incross-sectional shape or shaped generally similar to the inlet of themain valve body (not shown). The main body portion 32′ has a main bodymounting surface 1030 that is generally flat, disposed at an angle fromvertical, and facing towards the inlet (not shown). In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, the main body mounting surface 1030 canhave a groove 1032 that is generally circular and that can accommodate afirst seal member 1034. The first seal member 1034 can be made of anyresilient material and can create a generally fluid tight seal betweenthe main body mounting surface 1030 of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ andthe mounting surface of the main valve body. In some embodiments, thefirst seal member 1034 can be an O-ring.

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, the main body portion 32′ can have an upperwall 1040 disposed above the main body mounting surface 1030 and theouter wall 1036. The upper wall 1040 can include a flapper element mountportion 1041 and a cap mount portion 1044. The flapper element mountportion 1041 can be disposed above the main body mounting surface 1030and can extend towards the inlet to the main valve body. The cap mountportion 1044 of the upper wall 1040 can be generally horizontal andfacilitates attachment of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ to the cap 40′.The main body portion 32′ has a second opening 1042 disposed between theflapper element mount portion 104 and the cap mount portion 1044. Thesecond opening 1042 can be a slot through which the flapper element 34′extends.

Shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, the flapper element 34′ can be integrated withthe main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′. The flapper34′ is constructed of a resilient material and has a mounting portion1050, a pivot portion 1052, and a flapper portion 1054. The pivotportion 1052 is disposed between the flapper portion 1054 and themounting portion 1050, which is secured to the flapper element mountportion 1041 of the upper wall 1040 such that the pivot portion 1052enables the flapper portion 1054 to pivot relative to the mountingportion 1050 between an open position, in which the first opening 1038through the main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ isuncovered, and a closed position, in which the flapper portion 1054covers the first opening 1038. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, theflapper portion 1054 can have a protrusion 1056 disposed along theperiphery 1055 of the flapper portion 1054 and protruding generally in adirection towards the inlet of the main valve body (not shown). Theprotrusion 1056 provides a seal against the main body portion 32′. Theseal that the protrusion 1056 makes between the flapper element 34′ andthe main body portion 32′ can be a generally fluid tight seal.

The main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ disclosedherein can be formed from any suitable material, which can include, butnot limited to, metals such as steel or aluminum or one or a combinationof thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In someembodiments, the main body portion 32′ or the flapper sub-assembly 30′can be molded plastic. The flapper element 34′ can be made of aresilient material capable of allowing the pivot portion 1052 to pivotand capable of enabling the protrusion 1056 to seal against the mainbody portion 32′ when the flapper element 34′ is in the closed position.In some embodiments, the flapper element 34′ can be formed of rubber.The main body portion 32′ and flapper element 34′ can be made using oneof a variety of methods. In some embodiments, the main body portion 32′can be molded from plastic first, and then the flapper element 34′ canbe formed of rubber by over-molding the flapper element 34′ onto themain body portion 32′. In some embodiments, the flapper element 34′ canbe separately molded from rubber and can be dimensioned and configuredsuch that the flapper element 34′ can be combined with the main bodyportion 32′ in a separate processing step.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14B, certain aspects of the flappersub-assembly 30′ of the exemplary embodiment of backwater valve assembly1000 illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C are shown in further detail. Theflapper sub-assembly 30′ includes a main body portion 32′ and a flapperelement 34′. As shown, the main body portion 32′ includes an outer wall1036 and an upper wall 1040. The outer wall 1036 has a main bodymounting surface 1030 and a first opening 1038 disposed therethrough. Asshown, the main body mounting surface 1030 can have a groove 1032 suchthat a first seal member 1034 can create a generally fluid tight sealbetween the main body mounting surface 1030 and the main valve body (notshown). A second seal member 1037 can be disposed on the outer wall 1036to create a generally fluid tight seal between the outer wall 1036 andthe main valve body (not shown). The upper wall 1040 includes a flappermount portion 1041 and a cap mount portion 1044. The cap mount portion1044 can have two mounting arms 1046 that define a cap mount opening1048 to facilitate coupling of the flapper sub-assembly 30′ to the cap(not shown).

As shown in FIG. 14A, the upper wall 1040 can include a flapper mountportion 1041 having one or more tabs 1043 extending vertically upwardfrom the flapper mount portion 1041. The tabs 1043 can be used to securethe flapper element 34 to the main body portion 32′. The main bodyportion 32′ has a second opening 1042 disposed between the flapper mountportion 1041 and the cap mount portion 1044. The second opening 1042 canbe a slot through which the flapper element 34′ can be disposed. In someembodiments, the flapper element 34′ can be manufactured by over-moldingthe flapper element 34′ onto the main body portion 32′ such that theflapper element 34′ extends through the second opening 1042. In someembodiments, the flapper element 34′ can be formed in a separate processand dimensioned and configured so that the flapper element 34′ can beextended through the second opening 1042.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14B, the flapper element 34′ can include amounting portion 1050, a pivot portion 1052, and a flap portion 1054.The mounting portion 1050 can have one or more tab openings 1051 toreceive the tabs 1043 on the flapper mount portion 1041 of the upperwall 1040. As shown, the flap portion 1054 can be shaped to cover thefirst opening 1038. The flap portion 1054 can have a protrusion 1056around the periphery 1055 such that the protrusion 1056 can create aseal against the main body portion 32′ of the flapper sub-assembly 30′to seal off the first opening 1038.

In the various exemplary embodiments of the backwater valve assemblydescribed herein, it should be understood that the various componentscan be made from any of a variety of suitable materials. For example,various components of the backwater valve assembly may be constructedfrom Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic, polyvinyl chloride(PVC) and/or any other one or a combination of various suitablematerials.

The backwater valve assemblies disclosed herein may require cleaning orrepair. For example, the use of an auger by a plumber to remove treeroots from a lateral plumbing line can damage or destroy the flapper ina backwater valve assembly, thus requiring maintenance. Withconventional backwater valve designs, repair or replacement of theflapper valve assembly often requires that the backwater valve assemblybe dug up from the ground. The removable flapper or flapper sub-assemblyof the backwater valve assembly disclosed herein provides for thereplacement or repair of the flapper or flapper sub-assembly without theneed to exhume the backwater valve assembly from the ground.

In various embodiments, the various components of the backwater valveassembly, such as the inlet, outlet, cap and flapper may be provided in3″, 4″ and 6″ diameter sizes. However, it should be understood that thecomponents of the backwater valve assembly disclosed herein may have avariety of size, shapes, dimensions and configurations in variousembodiments. In various embodiments, one or more of the components ofthe backwater valve assembly (e.g., the cap, flapper, etc.) may beformed from a material that is impervious to solvent cement to preventan installer from accidently getting solvent cement on certaincomponents of the backwater valve assembly. In various exemplaryembodiments, the flapper or flapper subassembly, and/or cap may beaccessible from grade for cleaning and repair. In various embodiments,an extension tube or pipe may be provided above the backwater valveassembly to provide access to a backwater valve that is buried belowgrade by a position above the surface. In some such embodiments, an 18inch extension pipe may be provided, a 12 inch extension pipe may beprovide or some other dimension of extension pipe may be provided. Invarious embodiments the cap is capable of sealing the main valve body ofthe backwater valve assembly to maintain a certain pressure (e.g., 75psi or some other head pressure). In various embodiments, the cap andflapper are mounted, connected, joined, coupled or otherwise affixed orintegral with one another to form a unitary cap/flapper portion topermit for the removal of the cap and flapper at the same time from thebackwater valve assembly. In various embodiments, a flapper assembly isprovided that is constructed in a fashion that only permitsassembly/installation with the remaining components of the backwatervalve assembly in one direction that corresponds with the direction offlow in the backwater valve assembly, so the components cannot bemistakenly reversed. In various exemplary embodiments, a single tooldesign or mold may be adapted to provide more backwater valve assemblyhaving various dimensions. For example, in various embodiments, a singletool design or mold may be adapted to provide both 2″ and a 3″ diametercomponents or other dimensions. In various embodiments, a single tooldesign or mold may be adapted to provide both 4″ and a 6″ diametercomponents or other dimensions. In various embodiments feet or othersupports may be provided on the underside surface of the main valve bodyor other portion of the backwater valve assembly to support thebackwater valve assembly. In various additional embodiments, suchsupports may be dimensioned and configured to allow the backwater valveassembly to be supported by 2″ by 4″ boards to allow an installer toplace the backwater securely in place during the application of solventcement. In various additional embodiments, the backwater valve assemblyincludes features that allow the direction of the flow of the backwatervalve assembly to be identified from above grade so that an installer orrepairer of the backwater valve assembly can determine the direction offlow when installing, repairing or reinstalling the flapper into thebackwater valve assembly. In various additional embodiments an RFID chipor other identification device may be installed in the cap or otherportion of the backwater valve assembly to allow for the location of thebackwater valve assembly and/or determination of other information aboutthe backwater valve assembly from above the surface of the ground. As aresult, the entire backwater valve assembly including the cap may beburied underneath the ground, so as not to be an eyesore, and easilylocated for repair or cleaning from above ground when desired.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description ofembodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure to suchdetails. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. For example, where components are releasableor removably connected or attached together, any type of releasableconnection may be suitable including for example, locking connections,fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further,component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified withoutchanging the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, theinventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to thespecific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrativeexamples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made fromsuch details without departing from the spirit or scope of theapplicant's general inventive concept.

While various aspects, concepts and features of the present disclosuresmay be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination inthe exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and featuresmay be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or invarious combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expresslyexcluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intendedto be within the scope of the present disclosures. Still further, whilevarious alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts andfeatures of the present disclosure—such as alternative materials,structures, configurations, methods, devices and components,alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be describedherein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete orexhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presentlyknown or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt oneor more of the aspects, concepts or features into additional embodimentsand uses within the scope of the present disclosures even if suchembodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, eventhough some features, concepts or aspects of the present disclosure maybe described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, suchdescription is not intended to suggest that such feature is required ornecessary unless expressly so stated. Descriptions of exemplary methodsor processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being requiredin all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to beconstrued as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A backwater valve assembly, comprising: a mainvalve body having an inlet, an outlet spaced from the inlet along afluid flow direction, an inner surface, and an interior space thatincludes a base portion, a top portion spaced from the base portionalong a first direction that is perpendicular to the fluid flowdirection, and first and second guide elements spaced and separated fromone another along the fluid flow direction, the inner surface of themain valve body further including a protrusion extending from the baseportion along the first direction, such that the protrusion and firstand second guide elements cooperate to define a recess; a flappersub-assembly removably securable within the recess, the flappersub-assembly having a main body portion and at least one flapperelement, wherein an interface between the main body portion and theinner surface is sealed, wherein the at least one flapper element ismovable between: 1) an open position in which fluid is free to flowalong the fluid flow direction from the inlet through the interior spaceand out of the outlet of the main valve body, and 2) a closed positionin which the flapper element seals against the main body portion andprevents fluid from flowing in a direction that is opposite the fluidflow direction; and wherein the flapper sub-assembly may be installed inor removed from the main valve body so that the flapper sub-assembly,including both the flapper element and the main body portion, can bereplaced.
 2. The backwater valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the atleast one flapper element is pivotably coupled to the main body portionusing at least one pivot element.
 3. The backwater valve assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one flapper element is disposed at an anglesuch that gravitational force holds the at least one flapper elementagainst the main body portion when the at least one flapper element isin the closed position.
 4. The backwater valve assembly of claim 3wherein the at least one flapper element is made of a resilientmaterial.
 5. The backwater valve assembly of claim 4 wherein the atleast one flapper element is made of rubber.
 6. The backwater valveassembly of claim 4 wherein the at least one flapper element is a singlepiece disposed through a slot opening in the main body portion, whereinthe at least one flapper element has a flap portion and a pivot portionthat allows the flap portion to pivot between the open position and theclosed position.
 7. The backwater valve assembly of claim 6 wherein theflap portion of the at least one flapper element has a protrusion alongan outer periphery of an inlet side of the flap portion, wherein theprotrusion creates a seal between the at least one flapper element andthe main body portion of the flapper sub-assembly when the at least oneflapper element is in the closed position.
 8. The backwater valveassembly of claim 3 wherein the main valve body further comprises amounting surface that carries the first and second guide elements,wherein the mounting surface is a flat surface disposed at the inlet andhaving a mounting angle substantially similar to the angle of theflapper element.
 9. The backwater valve assembly of claim 3 wherein themain body portion of the flapper sub-assembly further comprises an upperwall having a cap mount opening, wherein the cap further comprises aflapper sub-assembly mount feature extending from a cap bottom surface,and wherein the cap mount opening slides over the flapper sub-assemblymount feature to removably secure the flapper sub-assembly to the cap.10. A backwater valve assembly, comprising: a main valve body having aninlet, an outlet, an inner surface, and an interior space; a flappersub-assembly removably securable within a recess defined within theinner surface of the main valve body, the flapper sub-assembly having amain body portion and at least one flapper element, wherein the mainbody portion of the flapper sub-assembly is sealed against the innersurface of the main valve body, wherein the at least one flapper elementis movable between an open position in which fluid is free to flow in afluid flow path from the inlet through the interior space and out of theoutlet of the main valve body and a closed position in which the flapperelement seals against the main body portion and prevents fluid fromflowing in a direction opposite the fluid flow path; and a cap removablysecurable within a port defined within the main valve body, wherein thecap and flapper sub-assembly are removably coupled together so that thecap and flapper sub-assembly may be installed in or removed from themain valve body together as a unitary element; and a cap grippingfeature secured to the cap, the cap gripping feature having at least oneopening defined therein for the receipt of a tool, the engagement andinteraction of the tool and cap gripping feature being operable toremove the cap from the main valve body.
 11. The backwater valveassembly of claim 10 wherein the flapper sub-assembly has a main bodyportion and wherein the at least one flapper element is disposed at anangle such that gravitational force holds the at least one flapperelement against the main body portion when the at least one flapperelement is in the closed position.
 12. The backwater valve assembly ofclaim 11 wherein the at least one flapper element is pivotably coupledto the main body portion using at least one pivot element.
 13. Thebackwater valve assembly of claim 11 wherein the main valve body furthercomprises a mounting surface and a plurality of guide elements, whereinthe mounting surface is a flat surface disposed at the inlet and havinga mounting angle substantially similar to the angle of the flapperelement, and wherein the plurality of guide elements are coupled to theinner surface such that the recess is the interior space between themounting surface and the plurality of guide elements.
 14. The backwatervalve assembly of claim 13 wherein the main body portion of the flappersub-assembly further comprises an outer wall having a shape thatsubstantially conforms to the inner surface of the main valve body. 15.The backwater valve assembly of claim 14 wherein the flappersub-assembly further comprises a first sealing member coupled to theouter wall, wherein the first sealing member creates a substantiallyfluid tight seal between the outer wall of the flapper sub-assembly andthe inner wall of the main valve body.
 16. The backwater valve assemblyof claim 11 wherein the main body portion of the flapper sub-assemblyfurther comprises an upper wall having a cap mount opening, wherein thecap further comprises a flapper sub-assembly mount feature extendingfrom a cap bottom surface, and wherein the cap mount opening slides overthe flapper sub-assembly mount feature to removably secure the flappersub-assembly to the cap.
 17. A backwater valve assembly, comprising: amain valve body having an inlet, an outlet, an inner surface, and aninterior space; a flapper sub-assembly removably securable within arecess defined within the inner surface of the main valve body, theflapper sub-assembly having a main body portion, at least one flapperelement, and at least one seal element, wherein the at least one sealelement creates a liquid tight seal between the main body portion of theflapper sub-assembly and the inner surface of the main valve body,wherein the at least one flapper element is movable between an openposition in which fluid is free to flow in a fluid flow path from theinlet through the interior space and out of the outlet of the main valvebody and a closed position in which the flapper element seals againstthe main body portion and prevents fluid from flowing in a directionopposite the fluid flow path; and a cap removably securable within aport defined within the main valve body, wherein the cap and flappersub-assembly are coupled together so that the cap and flappersub-assembly may be installed in or removed from the main valve bodytogether as a unitary assembly.
 18. The backwater valve assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the recess is defined by a plurality of guideelements.
 19. The backwater valve assembly of claim 18, wherein theinner surface includes a base portion, a top portion spaced form thebase portion a first direction, and a protrusion extending from the baseportion along the first direction, and the recess is further defined bythe protrusion.
 20. A backwater valve assembly, comprising: a main valvebody having an inlet, an outlet, an inner surface, and an interiorspace; a flapper sub-assembly removably securable within a recessdefined within the inner surface of the main valve body, the flappersub-assembly having a main body portion and at least one flapperelement, wherein the at least one flapper element is movable between: 1)an open position in which fluid is free to flow along a fluid flow pathfrom the inlet through the interior space and out of the outlet of themain valve body, and 2) a closed position in which the flapper elementseals against the main body portion and prevents fluid from flowing in adirection opposite the fluid flow path; and a cap removably coupled tothe flapper sub-assembly and securable within a port defined by the mainvalve body, wherein when the cap is coupled to the flapper sub-assemblyand the flapper sub-assembly is secured within the recess, the cap isconfigured to freely rotate about a central axis with respect to themain valve body and the secured flapper sub-assembly.
 21. The backwatervalve assembly of claim 20, wherein the cap includes a first thread thatcomplements a second thread on the main valve body adjacent the port,such that rotation of the cap about the central axis within the portcauses the first and second threads to engage and thereby removablycouple the cap to the flapper sub-assembly.
 22. The backwater valveassembly of claim 21, wherein the flapper sub-assembly further comprisesa mounting feature that projects from an upper wall of the main bodyportion, and wherein the cap further comprises a lower surface and arecess defined within the lower surface, wherein the recess isconfigured to receive the mounting feature of the flapper sub-assembly.23. The backwater valve assembly of claim 22, wherein the mountingfeature includes a plurality of wall segments, wherein the plurality ofwall segments are configured to flex when the mounting feature isreceived within the recess.
 24. The backwater valve of claim 20, whereinthe cap and flapper sub-assembly are removably coupled together so thatthe cap and flapper sub-assembly may be installed in or removed from themain valve body together as a unitary element.